No News On The Transfer Front

By Rob CooperLast updated : 11 November 2003

Steve Coppell, who has added just Ivar Ingimarsson to his squad since being installed as Reading manager a month ago, has today stated that he is not likely to bring in anyone new in the near future.

The Madejski Stadium site, who last year were lucky to stay relatively free of injury, are having no such luck this time around with a trio of centre-backs struck down by injury. Reinforcements are needed.

The Royals boss had previously admitted that he had the money to bring in one player on loan - prompting people to link Cambridge's Dave Kitson and Swindon's Sam Parkin, amongst others, with a move to the club.

Furthermore, the Royals yesterday transfer listed Kevin Watson and Nathan Tyson, hinting that the way was being cleared to bring someone else in.

But it seems that the funds to bolster the Reading squad simply do not exist. Ideally, the Royals would bring in another centre-back, at least on a temporary basis to cover for the injured Williams, Brown and Mackie.

"Like all managers I would like to strengthen. We've got three centre backs injured but it'd be sod's law for them to all come back at the same time and then you don't need anyone," added Coppell, speaking to the official site.

Commenting on the recent signing of midfield utility player Ingimarsson, the Reading boss concluded: "Ivar has given us a little bit extra stability but like most First Division clubs if you get a run of injuries in one position you're struggling."

Despite the triple-blow to the heart of the defence, the club are confident that John Mackie, who was forced to have an operation on an injured knee, will soon be fit to return to the first team, easing the club's fitness worries.